And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.

2 CHRONICLES 12:1KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 12:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 12:1 mean?

2 Chronicles 12:1 describes how, after King Rehoboam had firmly established his rule and felt secure in his position, he and all Israel abandoned the law of the LORD. The verse highlights a turning point where confidence and stability led to neglecting God’s commands.

The book of 2 Chronicles is recounting the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, over the kingdom of Judah. This verse marks a shift from the earlier efforts to strengthen the kingdom to a period of spiritual decline. The verse points out that Rehoboam’s actions influenced the whole nation, showing how a leader’s choices can affect an entire people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 12:1

  • "Forsook" (עָזַב, ʿazav): This word means to abandon or leave behind. In this context, it emphasizes a deliberate turning away from following God’s instructions, not just a passive neglect.
  • "Law" (תּוֹרָה, torah): This refers to God’s teachings or instructions, often understood as the commandments given through Moses. The verse is clear that what was abandoned was not just tradition, but the specific guidance God had given.
  • "Strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word carries the idea of becoming strong or secure. The verse links Rehoboam’s sense of security with his decision to forsake the law, suggesting that self-reliance led to spiritual neglect.

Why 2 Chronicles 12:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that spiritual decline can come not just from hardship, but from comfort and security, when people feel established and self-sufficient.
  • It shows the influence of leadership, as Rehoboam’s actions led the whole nation away from God’s law, underlining the responsibility of those in authority.
  • This verse sets up the events that follow in the chapter, where consequences come as a result of abandoning God’s ways, helping the reader understand the cause-and-effect pattern in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“strengthened” Hebrew H2393 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 26:16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.
  • Isaiah 8:11 For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,
  • Daniel 11:2 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.

“Rehoboam” Hebrew H7346 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 14:29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 11:1 And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: